Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant

Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant is sponsored by Various (administered through ALA/YALSA). This grant recognizes a librarian with a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy, including digital, media, visual, computer, and information literacy.

Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant | Association for Library Service to Children Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant The Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant recognizes a librarian who has a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy. Examples of literacy include, but are not limited to, digital, media, visual, computer, data, financial, civic/ethical, news, information, multicultural, and cultural.

As a classroom teacher, a college professor, and a mother, Joann Sweetland Lum was an advocate for and an avid user of libraries. Established in 2020, this annual $1,000 award is funded by friends and family of Joann Sweetland Lum. More About Joann Sweetland Lum “I first met Joann in 2007 when I was the Teen Participation Coordinator for YALSA in liaison to the BBYA Committee, when she brought her 4 children to Midwinter.

The two older girls were so well prepared, having read the books and had notecards for the titles to be discussed. This is a tribute to both Joann and Gregory in how important participation in YALSA was. Joann wholeheartedly supported Gregory in his immersive involvement with YALSA for many years.

She was a remarkable woman whom I had the privilege of knowing. ” - Jerene Battisti, family friend and YALSA member; Bakersfield, California "I remember my sister, Joann Lum, from a very early age loving books. We girls would catalog all of our books and play library endlessly.

Reading was a life-long passion, and she passed that on to her children. Joann made it a priority to not only take her children regularly to the library but to create one in her own home. Throughout the years, we could count on being updated on the latest children’s and young adult books because she was always in the know.

She was an amazing resource. It didn't seem to matter where we were or how old our children were, we always found ourselves surrounded by books. ” - Janet Liscio, sister of Joann, Colchester, Vermont Applicants do not need to be a member of ALA/YALSA.

However, before accepting the grant monies, the recipient must become a member of ALA/YALSA. Grant funds can be used to cover this cost. Applicants must work for and with youth (ages 10-19) in a library setting.

Library settings include public, university, community college, school, and special. Applicants must be willing to serve on the grant jury the following year to help determine that year's winner. Only one application per applicant per award cycle.

Joann Sweetland Lum Grant recipients from the previous three years are ineligible to apply for the current year. Submissions will be judged based on: Value in promoting literacy - The degree to which your proposed project has the potential to address youth literacy. Extent of project impact - The degree to which youth will benefit from proposed project.

Sustainability - The degree to which this project is sustainable after grant funds are expended. Clarity and completeness -The degree to which the proposed project uses funds.

The Grant is designed to recognize a creative, innovative literacy project for and with youth (ages 10-19), therefore, the online application and supporting materials must include: General Information - This basic information includes Grant Proposal Title, applicant’s name, name of library, position, mailing address, contact telephone number, contact email address, name of supervisor.

Description of your library and community - As this is a blind review, applicants will not name their library, city, state, etc. Applicant may include demographics (e.g. free/reduce lunch, minority populations, non-native English speakers, etc.). Applicant will provide a detailed description of the library, the population and the community. Preference will be given to libraries serving populations under 50,000.

Project Description - This requirement will demonstrate how the applicant would use the grant funds to promote literacy. Itemized Expense Sheet - Proposed expenses with items and costs are an estimate. The memorial grant funds will NOT cover 100% of the purchase of books and materials; general operating and administrative costs; production or purchase of merchandise intended for sale; transportation; and/or salaries.

Supervisor Support - The applicant’s supervisor must write a letter of support for the proposed literacy project. Final report or video of the project - Grant recipient will write a detailed report or video to be shared with the YALSA community and to inspire potential future award applicants. Click HERE to submit your online application.

[2027 application form coming soon] December 1, 2026 - online application [coming soon] due December 2026 - January 2027 - applications reviewed by committee February 2027 - grant recipient announced; other applicants notified.

March 2027 - grant funds distributed to grant recipient March - November 2027 - grant implemented November 2027 - grant recipient submits final report/video to ALSC December 1, 2025 - online application deadline December 2025 - January, 2026 - applications reviewed by committee February 2026 - grant recipient announced; other applicants notified.

March 2026 - grant funds distributed to grant recipient March - November 2026 - grant implemented November 2026 - grant recipient submits final report/video to ALSC December 2026 - January 2027 - grant recipient serves on 2027 Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant Jury to help select next recipient For further questions, contact ALSC .

2026: Christa Bell - Panels & Possibilities: A Student Graphic Novel Studio 2025: Pam Henderson - Cro and Tell Club 2024: Sally Miller - Library Reading Cafe 2023: Jessica Lorentz Smith - " Title Taste Bento Box reading program."

2022: Rebecca Caufman - "Promoting Poetry to Help Secondary Students Express Themselves Through Another Challenging Year" - see final report here 2021: Laura Haverkamp - "Pizza Box Puppet Talks" You can help fund the Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant by making a tax-deductible donation. Donate by credit card at the ALA Development Office's secure website .

Fill in the amount you would like to donate in the FRIENDS OF ALSC box under the "Divisions > ALSC" section, make sure that you check the box "Add a tribute or memorial to my donation" and type "Joann Sweetland Lum fund."